There
hasn't been a real change in how peripherals are powered since
wireless gear first showed up that used batteries for power. The
catch with batteries or rechargeable keyboards or mice is that when
they are out of power the user can't use the device until they
recharge or plug in.

Logitech is one of the largest peripheral
companies around and the company has announced a new keyboard called
the Logitech
Wireless Solar Keyboard K750. The new peripherals biggest feature
is that it gets all the power it needs to operate from the light in
your room. Like most solar calculators, the K750 isn't limited to
using the sun alone for power. It can get juice to operate from any
light source including your desk lamp or the glow from your
monitor.

“The keyboard is still the best input device
for typing emails and IMs, updating your Facebook™ page or posting
responses to your favorite blogs — and the Logitech Wireless Solar
Keyboard K750 is the next big innovation in keyboard technology,”
said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for
Logitech’s keyboards and desktops. “The Logitech Wireless Solar
Keyboard is powered by light but can work in total darkness for up to
three months. Plus, with its PVC-free construction and fully
recyclable packaging, it’s designed to minimize its
footprint.”

Exactly how much juice you get from your light
source and if it's enough to keep your keyboard powered indefinitely
will be easy to figure out with an app Logitech will offer later this
month. The app installs on the computer and tells the user with an
easy to understand digital gauge if the light source hitting the
keyboard is enough to charge it adequately. The internal batteries
will stay charged for three months once full so you can type in
darkness.

The keyboard is very thin at about one-third of an
inch making it low profile and comfortable to type on. The keys of
the keyboard use the Incurve design for comfortable typing feel. The
wireless tech is 2.4GHz and uses the Unifying Receiver of all
Logitech gear. That receiver allows you to connect the keyboard and
other Logitech peripherals without needing additional USB ports on
the host computer.

The
keyboard will ship this month in the U.S. and Europe for $79.99.

"Paying an extra $500 for a computer in this environment -- same piece of hardware -- paying $500 more to get a logo on it? I think that's a more challenging proposition for the average person than it used to be." -- Steve Ballmer